Donald Trump's inauguration: All the singers who've turned down an invite to perform

Donald Trump's leaked documents aren't the only thing putting a dampener on his upcoming presidential inauguration. Not to be a wet blanket or anything…

The controversial president-elect's team have reached out to anyone who's anyone in the music biz, but pretty much no-one wants to turn up for his big swearing-in celebration. In fact, many would probably rather swear at him than welcome the 70-year-old Republican's ascendance to the most powerful position in the free world.

While outgoing President Barack Obama's 2009 star-studded inauguration featured everyone from Beyonce to Bruce Springsteen to U2, Trump has faced a raft of rejections from the likes of Elton John, Celine Dion and Moby.

Elton John

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Trump used 'Tiny Dancer' and 'Rocket Man' throughout his campaign rallies. In November, one of his team members even claimed Elton would perform "a concert on the mall for the inauguration" on BBC's HARDtalk. Uh, not according to Elton! A publicist cleared that up, saying it was "incorrect. He will NOT be performing."

Charlotte Church

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Once known as the UK's "Voice of an Angel" as a pre-teen, the 30-year-old Welsh classical-turned-pop singer gave Trump a serve on Twitter, tweeting him directly: "@realDonaldTrump Your staff have asked me to sing at your inauguration, a simple internet search would show I think you're a tyrant. Bye [four turd emojis]."

Celine Dion

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TheWrap reported that Trump's pal and Las Vegas hotelier Steve Wynn promised – and failed – to lure in the French-Canadian diva for the inauguration. However, Wynn's spokesman denied being involved in the booking.

Regardless, Celine is playing The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on January 20 anyway. Sources close to her production told TMZ it's "nothing personal", she just didn't want to let down her fans. She is yet to comment publicly on the inauguration rumours.

KISS

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Can you imagine legendary rockers KISS playing for Trump? Well, it's not gonna happen in this lifetime. When asked by TMZ, Gene Simmons' wife Shannon Tweed shouted "No!" and said that they "politely declined" the offer. Besides, they are touring Europe at that time anyway.

Rebecca Ferguson

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The soul, R'n'B and blues singer and former X Factor UK star initially accepted the offer to perform – on the proviso she can sing Billie Holiday's protest song 'Strange Fruit'. Now, she's announced she won't be performing.

"I felt it was the only song that would not compromise my artistic integrity, and also as somebody who has a lot of love for all people, but has a special empathy as well for African American people and the #blacklivesmatter movement, I wanted to create a moment of pause for people to reflect," she said in a statement.

"I believe talent is a gift that should be used to heal the wounds of this world and make the world a better place to live in. As music is so powerful, I wanted to try and help educate the people watching of where division and separation can lead to if not corrected. My aim was not to cause contention."

Moby

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The high-selling DJ said he'll play the inaugural ball under one condition: Trump must release his tax returns.

"Hahahahaha, I was just asked by a booking agent if I would consider djing at one of the inaugural balls for #trump… Hahahahaha, wait, Hahahaha, really?" Moby wrote on Instagram. "I guess I'd DJ at an inaugural ball if as payment #trump released his tax returns."

"Also, I would probably play public enemy and stockhausen remixes to entertain the republicans. I'm still laughing. Hahahaha. So #trump what do you think, I DJ for you and you release your tax returns?"

Way to throw down the gauntlet. Moby previously called Trump "a dim-witted, racist misogynist".

Andrea Bocelli

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The blind Italian tenor faced a backlash on social media when a report emerged that Trump personally courted him after his concert in Madison Square Garden in New York in December. After fans blasted the beloved 58-year-old opera singer for his decision, Page Six reported that the deal was off.

"Bocelli said there was no way he'd take the gig," a source told the publication. "He was 'getting too much heat' and he said 'no'."

Garth Brooks

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The country music superstar wasn't against the idea of performing when TMZ asked him on December 1, 2016. "It's always about serving. It's what you do," he said.

Weeks later, a report on TheWrap revealed Garth had declined the invite to perform. His people refused to comment.

Ice-T

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The rapper tweeted on December 16: "I just got [a] call to perform at the Inauguration….I didn't pick up and Blocked the number." He added: "Just call Ted Nugent and call it a day…."

Ted Nugent is a conservative rock artist who's one of the few stars to publicly support Trump.

David Foster

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The 16-time Grammy-winning music producer for Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, Stevie Wonder and Josh Groban rejected an offer to help throw together performances for Trump.

"I was invited to participate and I politely declined," David told People. "I have no idea where this story came from."

Pictured: David with his ex-wife Yolanda Hadid, former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills and mother of models Gigi and Bella.

Who said
"yes"?

"Jackie Evancho's album sales have skyrocketed after announcing her Inauguration performance.Some people just don't understand the 'Movement'," Trump himself tweeted.

Country singer Toby Keith and rock band 3 Doors Down have also been confirmed. The Beach Boys have been asked, but have not confirmed their decision. Long-time showbiz star Maria Osmond has said she'd love to perform – although there's no claim she's even been asked.

Anyone left? Well, this random bunch: The Talladega Marching Tornadoes, The Radio City Rockettes (several of whom refuse to perform), and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir (one member, Jan Chamberlin, pulled out, saying "I only know I could never 'throw roses to Hitler'. And I certainly could never sing for him.").